Boys tennis defeats Klamath Union

The boys tennis team dominated play in their 6-2 win over Klamath Union (KU) on Tuesday, April 8. The home match under clear skies and a perfect 68-degree temperature opened the Outlaws' campaign against their district opponents.

Sisters' doubles players were at the top of their game and swept KU in all four doubles matches.

Evan Rickards and Devon Calvin (No. 1 doubles) owned the court and easily defeated Thomas Luna and Tristan Phelps in two quick sets with scores of 6-0, 6-0. The dynamic duo remains undefeated on the season.

Sisters continued with a win from their No. 2 doubles team, Billy Biggers and Connor Schaab. The Biggers/Schaab combo beat Graham Van Beem and Juan Camacho 6-1, 6-1.

Coach Bim Gander said, "This team improves significantly with each outing. They responded well by playing aggressively and solidifying their bond as teammates. Connor's domination at the net was the key factor this time out."

Senior Tyrell Gilmore and freshman Kobe Martinez combined match experience and raw talent in the No. 3 spot to defeat Nicolas Maurer and Railey Somers 7-5, 6-0.

The Anderson twins, Jesse and Levi, had little difficulty in the No. 4 match against Christian Davis and Luis Avalos. The duo earned a 6-1, 6-0 victory.

Paul Fullhart and Shawn Horton both won their singles matches.

Fullhart (No. 1 singles) was pushed to his limit in his first set by KU freshman, Hayden Lam. Paul outlasted Lam in the critical opening set, 14-12 in the tiebreaker, after saving three points against him. Fullhart cruised to a 6-0 win in the second set to win the match and remain undefeated in singles play this year.

"As often happens with a very close first set, the winner has a huge psychological advantage when the second set begins," said Gander. "Hayden Lam will be a force to be reckoned with when these teams meet again. I'm amazed by the maturity of Hayden's game at this early stage in his career. His forehand is already a big weapon, and the rest of his game will surely improve in the years to come."

Shawn Horton turned in a solid performance at No. 3 singles and beat David Marsden 6-2, 6-1. Horton normally plays No. 2 doubles with partner Ethan Stengel, but Stengel was unable to play due to illness.

"Steady play and good footwork contributed to Shawn's success today in his first opportunity to play singles this year," said Gander.

Of the match, Gander said, "I was delighted that our whole lineup played well on a picture-perfect day for tennis at Black Butte. The experience of playing larger schools, such as Bend and Redmond, has prepared us well, and all of our guys are responding. I'm optimistic about our prospects against tougher district opponents like Henley and North Bend."

The Outlaws will play at Willamette on Friday, April 18, and a day later will face North Bend.